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Infiniti FX50

The Infiniti FX series represents sport-utility with an emphasis on sport. While the FX portion of the name represents a five-seat midsize crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV), the numbers indicate engine size. The FX series hit the showroom floors in 2003 with two models: the FX335 and the FX45. The FX35 packs a 3.5-liter V-6 engine and the FX45 predictably offers a 4.5-liter V-8. Eventually the FX50 replaced the FX45, upping the displacement with a 5.0-liter V-8.

Over the ensuing years, small changes and upgrades continued through the 2008 model year. In 2009, the FX series went through some major changes, creating the second generation of the FX series. These particular vehicles are considered the pick of the litter, and buyers opting for a used FX should look most closely and the FX models from 2009 and later.

About the Infiniti FX50

The FX series is known for performance and luxury, even at the cost of the utility portion of the equation. This is not a soccer mom-mobile; it really isn't intended to take a lot of outdoor gear on a vacation in the wild. This crossover aims at discerning buyers who want a lot of performance and luxury appointments and don't necessarily need a lot of cargo space and utility.

The FX50 is the most powerful and well-appointed example of the FX series, making its reputation that of a sporty SUV. Unlike most other examples in its class, the FX50 has curves, aerodynamic and sporty lines that stand out when compared to the boxy-looking competition meant for buyers of utility.

Most SUVs use a sedan, truck, or minivan platform. The FX series utilizes the Nissan Z platform, making the FX50 a descendant of a sports car, a rather unusual situation for a crossover. Pushing nearly 400 horsepower, this car is built to give a driving experience, not just haul stuff around. This Infiniti will give a driving thrill, handle remarkably well for what amounts to a sports car on stilts, and provide the comfort and technological gadgets most buyers associate with a European sport sedan.

Infiniti FX50 Features

Throughout the production run of the FX series, more and more has been added, and upgrades in luxury and performance are included every so often. For 2012, the FX50 has new front-end styling and the meters have different illumination. The sport package includes adaptive headlights.

In this incarnation, the FX50 comes with a 5.0-liter V-8 that kicks with 390 hp. This couples with a seven-speed manual transmission. You can get groceries with an FX50, but you will get there and back very quickly and have a lot fun doing it. This sports car has a 3,500-pound towing capacity. The FX50 only comes with all-wheel drive and it has functional air vents to reduce the lift, 20-inch alloy wheels that can be upgraded to 21-inch alloys, and some exterior gadgets. These include: parking sensors and multi-camera parking assist. Options to improve handling include adaptive suspension and Rear Active Steer—a feature that angles the rear wheels to help make sharp turns. Other exterior amenities include a standard sunroof and power tailgate.

On the inside, the FX50 offers the comfort of a luxury car. Standard models feature keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a Bose surround sound system, heated and cooled front seats, and high-tech features for entertainment such as Bluetooth streaming audio, digital music storage, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning.

Simply put, the 2012 FX50 can't compete in its class for utility, but it offers one of the finest examples of luxury and performance.

Infiniti FX50 Evolution

The FX series underwent a number of changes throughout its production run. From 2003 to 2008 the first generation saw slight variations and annual additions, but the FX50 is a relatively new replacement for the FX45 and thus does not have a long history. After the 2009 revision that brought about this particular model, little has changed year to year. The FX50 has only received small styling modifications and the occasional new option as a standard feature.